Dec.1 (GMM) A furious Toto Wolff has blasted Dr Helmut Marko after Red Bull accused Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli of deliberately helping Lando Norris in the Qatar GP title fight.
Marko claimed he twice saw the 19-year-old “let” Norris through – giving the McLaren driver two extra points in his duel with Max Verstappen.
“If you see it twice, can you name it?” Marko said. “It happened twice – twice. It was really too obvious.”
Even Verstappen’s engineer Gianpiero ‘GP’ Lambiase remarked over team radio that Antonelli appeared to pull aside intentionally.
The accusation sent Wolff into a rage.
“The last thing we want to do is interfere in the World Championship fight,” he said.
“What Helmut is saying is total and complete nonsense. I’m really stunned to hear this. We are fighting for second in the championship – that is very important to us.
“How brainless can you be to say something like that?”
The Mercedes boss said he even confronted Lambiase after hearing about the radio message.
“He was very emotional at the time, because they needed a certain result. Now they need a position extra,” Wolff explained.
“But everything is fine with Lambiase now. We cleared the air. He said he hadn’t quite seen the situation.”
Marko, however, doubled down.
“He let McLaren pass twice, more or less. It was clear. The first time was the same,” the 82-year-old insisted. “He also opened the door for Piastri.”
And when informed of Wolff’s anger, Marko replied: “I’d be happy to counter that. You just have to watch the footage.”
Wolff still wasn’t having it.
“Why would we do that? Why should we think about influencing the drivers’ championship? You need to get yourself checked out – you see ghosts,” he fired.
Antonelli, meanwhile, stayed out of the political storm – and even supported Verstappen’s title hopes when asked by Sky Italia.
“He believes in it, and I think he can do it too,” said the Italian. “He has nothing to lose, so he definitely has a good chance.”
Ralf Schumacher urged calm: “Antonelli was angry himself. He wanted to hold the position. That’s neither Toto Wolff’s nor Kimi Antonelli’s style. Let’s not make a mountain out of a molehill.”
GPDA chairman Alex Wurz agreed.
“I don’t believe he is some kind of stuntman faking something,” he told ORF.
The Indianapolis 500 is an American tradition, and the 2026 race marks the 110th year of this historic event. Guests of Grand Prix Tours will enjoy premium accommodations, options for exclusive suite access, and unforgettable race-day experiences, including a police escort to the track. Highlights include visits to the newly renovated Indy 500 Museum, Gasoline Alley, and the Dallara IndyCar Factory, plus patriotic pre-race festivities like the singing of “Back Home Again in Indiana.” Join us for our 41st trip to the legendary Indy 500!
SHOW PACKAGES
The Monaco Grand Prix, often called the crown jewel of Formula 1, is one of the most prestigious races in the world and part of the Triple Crown of Motorsport alongside the Indy 500 and 24 Hours of Le Mans. Starting in 2026, the race will move from May to June to better align with the F1 schedule, placing the Canadian Grand Prix earlier in the season. Grand Prix Tours has taken care of all of the details and has arranged an amazing motorsports vacation. Call 949 719 3350 to book your trip or to contact us with any questions.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 2026 Austrian Grand Prix at the iconic Red Bull Ring; a fan favorite that rarely disappoints. Set in Austria’s stunning Styrian Hills, this scenic circuit is famous for its dramatic elevation changes and thrilling uphill turns. We’ve planned every detail so you can relax and enjoy an unforgettable motorsport getaway.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours at the legendary Silverstone Circuit for the 2026 British Grand Prix; the birthplace of modern F1. This isn’t just race weekend; you’ll visit the British Motor Museum, explore the Silverstone Museum, and enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Oracle Red Bull Racing Factory. With over 40 years of experience hosting this trip, we’ve thought of every detail for the ultimate F1 fan experience.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 32nd Goodwood Festival of Speed in the South of England, a long summer weekend celebrating the greatest moments in motorsport. Held at the magnificent Goodwood House, this world-renowned event showcases an unparalleled collection of historic and modern racing cars from the past 125 years. We’ve taken care of every detail so you can enjoy an unforgettable motorsport getaway.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, a fan favorite on the F1 calendar. The city comes alive for race week packed with energy, events, and unforgettable nightlife. This year, the action shifts to Memorial Day weekend (late May), part of F1’s new, eco-friendly schedule. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the atmosphere where motorsport meets Montreal magic. Book your spot now this one sells out fast!
SHOW PACKAGES